People

The Houlder group’s structure ensures that whatever your business or project you’ll enjoy the confidence of engaging with well qualified, experienced and supervised people.  Houlder's architects, draughtsmen, engineers and project managers have the support of leadership with a combined track record of well over a hundred years.

Rupert Hare – Managing Director

Rupert Hare has fifteen years experience of naval architecture for Houlder focusing on project and contract management across the defence, offshore and commercial marine sectors.  He has a wealth of experience leading relationships with the UK Ministry of Defence and Offshore Oil and Gas companies specifically heading up vessel design, adaptation and equipment installation projects.

Mike Chew – Houlder Offshore

Mike Chew is a Chartered Engineer with thirty years experience of senior management within both oil companies and sub sea contractors. He has a proven track record of success as project director and manager on a range of projects from vessel design and build programmes to extended well testing and both manned and robotic sub sea construction.

Mike Simpson – Houlder Marine

Mike Simpson, Managing Director of Hart Fenton & Company is a Naval Architect with over thirty years experience in the commercial shipping industry. He has a wealth of experience in leading the design of a broad range of conventional tonnage as well as large high speed passenger and vehicle ferries.

Rod Pudduck – Houlder Defence

Rod Pudduck is a naval constructor with extensive experience of submarine and surface ship design, construction and repair. He wrote the Ship Safety Manual for the UK Ministry of Defence and chairs the Royal Institute of Naval Architects' Safety Committee. Previously a Chief Engineer with Atkins he has joined Houlder to specifically manage its defence business.